U.S. patent application number 10/107309 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for door latch operation device for vehicle.
Invention is credited to Aiyama, Takaya, Aoki, Koji, Hirota, Koichi, Kobayashi, Norikazu, Mori, Kazuyoshi, Sugiki, Akio.
Application Number | 20020140237 10/107309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26612463 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020140237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobayashi, Norikazu ; et
al. |
October 3, 2002 |
Door latch operation device for vehicle
Abstract
A door latch operation device for vehicle which can link a
mechanical operation member and a latch mechanism by an operation
of a mechanical identification operation member. The door latch
operation device includes a lift lever linked to the latch
mechanism, an inside lever linked to the mechanical operation
member, and an open link provided between the lift lever and the
inside lever. The open link is adapted to be operatively connected
to the mechanical operation member and the mechanical
identification operation member to move the open link and cause the
open link to engage the lift lever. The open link is also rotatable
to be engaged with and disengaged from the inside lever. A guiding
mechanism movably and rotatably guides the open link.
Inventors: |
Kobayashi, Norikazu;
(Chita-shi, JP) ; Hirota, Koichi; (Takahama-shi,
JP) ; Sugiki, Akio; (Kariya-shi, JP) ; Aoki,
Koji; (Nagoya-shi, JP) ; Aiyama, Takaya;
(Toyota-shi, JP) ; Mori, Kazuyoshi; (Chiryu-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Platon N. Mandros, Esquire
BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P.
P.O. Box 1404
Alexandria
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
26612463 |
Appl. No.: |
10/107309 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
292/201 ;
292/195 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 77/28 20130101;
E05B 77/06 20130101; E05B 81/90 20130101; Y10T 292/1075 20150401;
E05B 81/14 20130101; Y10T 292/1047 20150401; Y10S 292/23 20130101;
Y10T 292/1082 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
292/201 ;
292/195 |
International
Class: |
E05C 003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2001 |
JP |
2001-094396 |
Mar 28, 2001 |
JP |
2001-094397 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle door latch operation device comprising: a latch
mechanism provided on a vehicle door that is adapted to be opened
and closed relative to a vehicle body for effecting a latched
condition in which the vehicle door is maintained at a closed
condition relative to the vehicle body and an unlatched condition
in which the vehicle door is adapted to be opened relative to the
vehicle body; a mechanical operation member provided in an interior
compartment of the vehicle for operating the latch mechanism from
the latched condition to the unlatched condition; a mechanical
identification operation member provided outside the vehicle for
operating the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the
unlatched condition; a lift lever operatively connected to the
latch mechanism; an inside lever operatively connected to the
mechanical operation member; an open link provided between the lift
lever and the inside lever, the open link being adapted to be
operatively connected to the mechanical operation member and the
mechanical identification operation member to move the open link
and cause the open link to engage the lift lever, the open link
also being rotatable to permit selective engagement of the open
link with the inside lever; and a guiding mechanism for movably and
rotatably guiding the open link.
2. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 1,
further comprising: a support member movably and rotatably
supporting the open link, the open link having a first end portion
and a second end portion; the guiding mechanism comprising a
guiding portion and a guide pin, the guide portion being formed on
the support member for allowing movement and rotation of the open
link, the guide pin being provided at the first end portion of the
open link and positioned in the guiding portion to be guided along
the guiding portion; and the open link being operatively connected
to the mechanical identification operation member at the first end
portion, and being engageable with and disengageable from the
inside lever at the second end portion, the guide pin being guided
by the guiding portion in response to operation of the mechanical
identification operation member for moving and rotating the open
link.
3. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 1,
further comprising: an electric actuation mechanism which operates
the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition; and an open lever linked to the electric actuation
mechanism and engageable with the lift lever.
4. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 3,
wherein the latch mechanism comprises a rotatable latch adapted to
be engaged with and disengaged from a striker provided on the
vehicle body, and a rotatable pawl engageable with the latch to
effect the latched condition of the latch mechanism and
disengageable from the latch to effect the unlatched condition of
the latch mechanism; the lift lever being unitarily rotated with
the pawl and engageable with the open link and the open lever; and
an engagement portion of the lift lever with the open lever is
provided between an engagement portion of the lift lever with the
open link and a rotational center of the open link.
5. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 4,
wherein the inside lever is provided between the mechanical
operation member and the open link, and is engageable with and
disengageable from the open link.
6. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 3,
further comprising: a housing having a support portion supporting
the latch mechanism, and an accommodating portion positioned at a
substantially right angle relative to the support portion and
accommodating the electric actuation mechanism, the open link, and
the open lever.
7. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 6,
wherein the mechanical identification operation member is supported
by the housing.
8. A vehicle door latch operation device comprising: a latch
mechanism provided on a vehicle door that is adapted to be opened
and closed relative to a vehicle body for effecting a latched
condition in which the vehicle door is maintained at a closed
condition relative to the vehicle body and an unlatched condition
in which the vehicle door is adapted to be opened relative to the
vehicle body; an electric actuation mechanism which operates the
latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition; a mechanical operation member provided in an interior
compartment of the vehicle for operating the latch mechanism from
the latched condition to the unlatched condition; a mechanical
identification operation member provided outside the vehicle for
operating the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the
unlatched condition; a lift lever operatively connected to the
latch mechanism; a lever mechanism comprising: an inside lever
operatively connected to the mechanical operation member; an open
link provided between the lift lever and the inside lever, the open
link being adapted to be operatively connected to the mechanical
operation member and the mechanical identification operation member
to move the open link and cause the open link to engage the lift
lever, the open link also being rotatable to permit selective
engagement of the open link with the inside lever; an open lever
linked to the electric actuation mechanism and engageable with the
lift lever; and a key lever operatively connected to the mechanical
identification operation member and engageable with the open link;
a base member on which the open link is movably and rotatably
supported; a guiding mechanism for movably and rotatably guiding
the open link.
9. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 8,
wherein the key lever includes an engagement arm portion and the
open link includes an engagement pin which is engageable by the
engagement arm portion.
10. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 8,
wherein the guiding mechanism comprises a guiding portion formed on
the base member for allowing movement and rotation of the open
link, and a guide pin provided at a first end portion of the open
link and positioned in the guiding portion to be guided along the
guiding portion; and the open link being operatively connected to
the mechanical identification operation member at the first end
portion, and being engageable with and disengageable from the
inside lever at a second end portion of the open link, the guide
pin being guided by the guiding portion in response to operation of
the mechanical identification operation member for moving and
rotating the open link.
11. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 9,
wherein the mechanical identification operation member is operated
with an ignition key.
12. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 1,
wherein, when the inside lever is disengaged from the open link,
the latch mechanism is unable to be switched to the unlatched
condition from the latched condition upon operation of the
mechanical operation member.
13. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 8,
wherein the latch mechanism comprises a rotatable latch adapted to
be engaged with and disengaged from a striker provided on the
vehicle body, and a rotatable pawl engageable with the latch to
effect the latched condition of the latch mechanism and
disengageable from the latch to effect the unlatched condition of
the latch mechanism; the lift lever being unitarily rotated with
the pawl and engageable with the open link and the open lever; and
an engagement portion of the lift lever with the open lever is
provided between an engagement portion of the lift lever with the
open link and a rotational center of the open link.
14. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 8,
wherein the inside lever is provided between the mechanical
operation member and the open link, and is engageable with and
disengageable from the open link.
15. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 8,
further comprising a housing having a support portion supporting
the latch mechanism, and an accommodating portion positioned at a
right angle to the support portion and accommodating the electric
actuation mechanism, the open link, and the open lever.
16. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 15,
wherein the mechanical identification operation member is supported
by the housing.
17. A vehicle door latch operation device comprising: a latch
mechanism provided on a vehicle door that is adapted to be opened
and closed relative to a vehicle body for effecting a latched
condition in which the vehicle door is maintained at a closed
condition relative to the vehicle body and an unlatched condition
in which the vehicle door is adapted to be opened relative to the
vehicle body; an inside door handle provided in an interior of the
vehicle; a lift lever operatively connected to the latch mechanism;
an inside lever operatively connected to the inside door handle; a
key cylinder provided on an outside of the vehicle; a key lever
operatively connected to the key cylinder; an open link between the
open lever and the lift lever, the open link being supported at a
housing for unlatching movement to engage the lift lever and effect
the unlatched condition of the latch mechanism and being supported
at the housing for rotatable movement, the inner lever and the key
lever being operatively engageable with the open link; a guiding
pin provided on one of the open link and the housing and a guiding
slot provided on the other of the open link and the guiding slot,
the guiding pin being positioned in the guiding slot, the guiding
slot being configured to guide the open link in the unlatching
movement and the rotatable movement; the open link being rotatable
between a first position in which operation of the inside door
handle and the key lever causes the unlatching movement of the open
link to effect the unlatched condition of the latch mechanism and a
second position in which the unlatching movement of the open link
is prevented when the inside door handle is operated.
18. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 17,
wherein the key lever is engageable with the open link in the
second position of the open link to cause the unlatching movement
of the open link so that the open link engages the lift lever to
effect the unlatched condition of the latch mechanism.
19. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 17,
wherein the guiding slot includes two guiding slot portions which
are offset with respect to one another.
20. The vehicle door latch operation device according to claim 17,
further comprising: an electric actuation mechanism which operates
the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition; and an open lever linked to the electric actuation
mechanism and engageable with the lift lever.
Description
[0001] This application is based on and clam priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 with respect to Japanese Application No.
2001-094396 filed on Mar. 28, 2001 and Japanese Application No.
2001-094397 filed on Mar. 28, 2001, the entire disclosure of both
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to a door latch operation
device for a vehicle door. More particularly, the present invention
pertains to a door latch operation device for a vehicle door for
operating a latch mechanism between a latched condition in which
the vehicle door is maintained at a closed condition and an
unlatched condition in which the vehicle door is adapted to be
opened relative to the vehicle body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Known door latch operation devices for a vehicle are
disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-54708
and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-345752. The door
latch operation device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open
Publication No. 2000-54708 includes a latch mechanism, an electric
actuation mechanism, a mechanical operation member, and a
mechanical identification operation member. The latch mechanism is
provided on the vehicle door, which is adapted to be opened and
closed relative to the vehicle body, for performing a latched
condition in which the vehicle door is maintained at the closed
condition relative to the vehicle body and an unlatched condition
in which the vehicle door is capable of being opened relative to
the vehicle body. The electric actuation mechanism operates the
latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition. The mechanical operation member provided in the vehicle
compartment actuates the latch mechanism from the latched condition
to the unlatched condition. The mechanical identification operation
member provided outside the vehicle compartment actuates the latch
mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition.
[0004] The door latch operation device described in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-345752 includes a latch mechanism,
an electric actuation mechanism, and a mechanical operation member.
The latch mechanism is provided on the vehicle door which is
adapted to be opened and closed relative to the vehicle body for
performing a latched condition in which the vehicle door is
maintained at the closed condition relative to the vehicle body and
for performing the unlatched condition in which the vehicle door is
to be opened relative to the vehicle body. The electric actuation
mechanism actuates the latch mechanism from the latched condition
to the unlatched condition. The mechanical operation member is
provided in the vehicle compartment and actuates the latch
mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition.
[0005] This known door latch operation device further includes an
engagement-disengagement mechanism linked to the electric actuation
mechanism between the mechanical operation member and the latch
mechanism. Through actuation of the engagement-disengagement
mechanism by driving the electric actuation mechanism, two
conditions are performed, namely a non-set condition in which the
mechanical operation member and the latch mechanism are linked and
a set condition in which the linkage between the mechanical
operation member and the latch mechanism is released. The
anti-theft performance of the vehicle is improved by performing the
set condition so that the latch mechanism is not actuated to the
unlatched condition by unjustly operating the mechanical operation
member.
[0006] However, providing the engagement-disengagement mechanism
between the mechanical operation member and the latch mechanism as
in the foregoing known device, a switching mechanism cannot be
operated from the set condition to the non-set condition, although
the latch mechanism can be operated from the latch condition to the
unlatch condition by the operation of the mechanical identification
operation member when the electric actuation mechanism fails during
the set condition in which the linkage between the mechanical
operation member and the latch mechanism is released. Thus, when an
individual operates the mechanical identification operation member
to open the vehicle door, enters the vehicle compartment and then
closes the vehicle door, the vehicle door cannot be opened from
inside the vehicle compartment because the linkage between the
mechanical operation member and the latch mechanism is kept
released by the engagement-disengagement mechanism.
[0007] A need thus exists for a door latch operation device for
vehicle which can link the mechanical operation member and the
latch mechanism by the operation of the mechanical identification
operation member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect, a vehicle door latch operation
device includes a latch mechanism provided on a vehicle door that
is adapted to be opened and closed relative to a vehicle body for
effecting a latched condition in which the vehicle door is
maintained at a closed condition relative to the vehicle body and
an unlatched condition in which the vehicle door is adapted to be
opened relative to the vehicle body, a mechanical operation member
provided in an interior compartment of the vehicle for operating
the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition, and a mechanical identification operation member
provided outside the vehicle for operating the latch mechanism from
the latched condition to the unlatched condition. A lift lever is
operatively connected to the latch mechanism, an inside lever is
operatively connected to the mechanical operation member, and an
open link is provided between the lift lever and the inside lever,
with the open link being adapted to be operatively connected to the
mechanical operation member and the mechanical identification
operation member to move the open link and cause the open link to
engage the lift lever, and with the open link also being rotatable
to permit selective engagement of the open link with the inside
lever. In addition, a guiding mechanism movably and rotatably
guides the open link.
[0009] According to another aspect, a vehicle door latch operation
device includes a latch mechanism provided on a vehicle door that
is adapted to be opened and closed relative to a vehicle body for
effecting a latched condition in which the vehicle door is
maintained at a closed condition relative to the vehicle body and
an unlatched condition in which the vehicle door is adapted to be
opened relative to the vehicle body, an electric actuation
mechanism which operates the latch mechanism from the latched
condition to the unlatched condition, a mechanical operation member
provided in an interior compartment of the vehicle for operating
the latch mechanism from the latched condition to the unlatched
condition, a mechanical identification operation member provided
outside the vehicle for operating the latch mechanism from the
latched condition to the unlatched condition, a lift lever
operatively connected to the latch mechanism, and a lever
mechanism. The lever mechanism includes an inside lever operatively
connected to the mechanical operation member, an open link provided
between the lift lever and the inside lever, an open lever linked
to the electric actuation mechanism and engageable with the lift
lever, and a key lever operatively connected to the mechanical
identification operation member and engageable with the open link.
The open link is adapted to be operatively connected to the
mechanical operation member and the mechanical identification
operation member to move the open link and cause the open link to
engage the lift lever, with the open link also being rotatable to
permit selective engagement of the open link with the inside lever.
The open link is movably and rotatably supported on a base member,
and a guiding mechanism movably and rotatably guides the open
link.
[0010] According to another aspect, a vehicle door latch operation
device includes a latch mechanism provided on a vehicle door that
is adapted to be opened and closed relative to a vehicle body for
effecting a latched condition in which the vehicle door is
maintained at a closed condition relative to the vehicle body and
an unlatched condition in which the vehicle door is adapted to be
opened relative to the vehicle body, an interior door handle
provided in an interior of the vehicle, a lift lever operatively
connected to the latch mechanism, an inside lever operatively
connected to the inside door handle, a key cylinder provided on an
outside of the vehicle, a key lever operatively connected to the
key cylinder, and an open link between the open lever and the lift
lever, with the open link being supported in a housing for
unlatching movement to engage the lift lever and effect the
unlatched condition of the latch mechanism and being supported in
the housing for rotatable movement. The inner lever and the key
lever are operatively engageable with the open link. A guiding pin
is provided on one of the open link and the housing and a guiding
slot provided on the other of the open link and the guiding slot.
The guiding pin is positioned in the guiding slot and the guiding
slot is configured to guide the open link in the unlatching
movement and the rotatable movement. The open link is rotatable
between a first position in which operation of the interior door
handle and the key lever causes the unlatching movement of the open
link to effect the unlatched condition of the latch mechanism and a
second position in which the unlatching movement of the open link
is prevented when the interior door handle is operated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0011] The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of
the present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying
drawing figures in which like reference numerals designate like
elements.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in which is
installed a door latch operation device according to one
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of a release actuator for the door
latch operation device.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the release actuator for the door
latch operation device.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the release actuator for the door
latch operation device.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of a latch mechanism for the door
latch operation device.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an initial condition of a
lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view showing an initial condition of the
lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view showing an operation condition of the
lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the operation condition of
the lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation condition of
the lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the operation condition of
the lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the operation condition of
the lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the operation condition of
the lever mechanism for the door latch operation device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle door 1 is supported by a
vehicle body 11 and is adapted to be opened and closed relative to
the vehicle body. The vehicle door is provided with a latch
mechanism 3 which is engaged with and disengaged from a striker 2
(shown in FIG. 5) disposed on the vehicle body 11 for maintaining
the vehicle door 1 at a closed condition.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the latch mechanism 3 includes a latch
31, adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from the striker 2,
and a pawl 32 adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from the
latch 31. The latch 31 and the pawl 32 are accommodated in a
resin-made body 33 and rotatably supported via respective support
pins 31a, 32a. The pawl 32 restricts the rotation of the latch 31
by engaging the latch 31. The latch mechanism 3 is operable to
produce a latched condition (shown in FIG. 5), in which the vehicle
door 1 is maintained at the closed condition relative to the
vehicle body 11, when the latch 31 is engaged with the pawl 32
while the latch 31 is engaged with the striker 2. The latch
mechanism 3 is also operable to produce an unlatched condition, in
which the vehicle door 1 is capable of being opened relative to the
vehicle body 11, by rotating the pawl 32 in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 5 to disengage the pawl 32 from the latch 31.
Under the unlatched condition of the latch mechanism 3, the striker
2 can be disengaged from the latch 31. Thus, the vehicle door 1 can
be opened by an individual through opening operation of the vehicle
door 1 by operating assisting grips 12, 13 (shown in FIG. 1)
provided in the vehicle compartment and on the outer surface of the
vehicle door. The assisting grip 12 provided in the vehicle
compartment can be grabbed by an individual when closing the door
and the assisting grip 13 provided on the outside of the vehicle
can be grabbed by an individual when opening the door.
[0027] The support pin 32a of the pawl 32 is secured to the pawl 32
for unitary rotation. The support pin 32a penetrates into the body
33 and the tip end of the support pin 32a extends outward. A lift
lever 4 is adapted to unitarily rotate with the pawl 32 via the
support pin 32a and has one end secured to the tip end of the
support pin 32a. The other end of the lift lever 4 is provided with
a flange wall 41 formed on a surface at approximately a right angle
to the rotational direction. The flange wall 41 includes a first
engagement portion 41a and a second engagement portion 41b. The
first engagement portion 41a is positioned between the second
engagement portion 41b and the support pin 32a which is the
rotational center of the lift lever 4. Thus, the first engagement
portion 41a of the flange wall 41 is positioned closer to the
support pin 32s as compared to the second engagement portion 41b of
the flange wall 41.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the latch mechanism 3 is disposed in
a housing 5 which can be made of resin. The housing 5 is L-shaped
and includes a plate shaped support portion 51 and an accommodation
portion 52 cooperating with a cover portion 53 of the housing and
providing an accommodating space. The accommodating portion 52 is
positioned substantially at a right angle relative to the support
portion 51. The body 33 of the latch mechanism 3 is screwed on the
support portion 51 via a base plate 34 that is fixed to the body
33. Thus, the latch mechanism 3 is supported by the housing 5 so
that the lift lever 4 is covered with the supporting portion 51.
Instead of a screw connection, the support portion 51 may support
the body 33 by the engagement between an engagement detent and an
engagement bore provided thereon respectively.
[0029] A release actuator 6 is accommodated in the accommodation
portion 52. The release actuator 6 includes an electric actuation
mechanism 7 and a lever mechanism 8. The electric actuation
mechanism 7 includes an electric motor 71 serving as a power source
and a wheel gear 72. The lever mechanism 8 includes an open link
81, a key lever 82, an inside lever 83, and an open lever 84.
[0030] The wheel gear 72 is rotatably supported in the housing 5
via a pin 72a. A worm gear 73 geared with the wheel gear 72 is
secured to an output shaft 71a of the electric motor 71 so that the
worm gear 73 and the output shaft 71a unitarily rotate together.
Thus, the wheel gear 72 is decelerated and rotated by the actuation
of the electric motor 71.
[0031] An engagement projection portion 72b (shown in FIG. 6) is
formed on the wheel gear 72. The power is supplied to the electric
motor 71 from a connector 91 connected to a controller 9, including
a CPU, disposed in the housing 5. The electric motor is actuated by
the operation of opening switches 12a, 13a electrically connected
to the CPU of the controller 9 via respective harnesses 12b, 13b.
The opening switches 12b, 13b are provided on the assist grips
12,13 shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] The CPU of the controller 9 determines a lock condition of
the vehicle door 1 for prohibiting actuation of the electric motor
71 when the opening switches 12a, 13a are operated and determines
an unlock condition of the vehicle door allowing actuation of the
electric motor 71 when the opening switches 12a, 13a are operated.
The setting of the lock condition and the unlock condition of the
vehicle door 1 can be performed in a variety of ways such as by
operating a lock switch provided at the vehicle door 1, by
operating a remote control lock switch provided on an ignition key
of the vehicle carried by an individual, and by identifying a code
between the ignition key carried by the individual and the
vehicle.
[0033] The open lever 84 is rotatably supported in the housing 5
via a pin 84a. An engagement projection 84b is formed on one end of
the open lever 84. The engagement projection 84b is positioned
opposite to the engagement projection portion 72b of the wheel gear
72. An engagement portion 84c is provided on the other end of the
open lever 84. The engagement portion 84c is positioned opposite to
the first engagement portion 41a of the lift lever 4.
[0034] With the construction as described above, the engagement
projection 84b is engageable with the engagement projection portion
72b of the wheel gear 72. Thus, the open lever 84 is linked to the
wheel gear 72. The open lever 84 is rotated in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 2 by the rotation of the wheel gear 72 in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 2 through engagement of the
engagement projection portion 72b of the wheel gear 72 with the
engagement projection 84b.
[0035] The engagement portion 84c is engageable with the first
engagement portion 41a. Thus, the open lever 84 is linked to the
lift lever 4. Through engagement between the engagement portion 84c
and the first engagement portion 41a by clockwise rotation of the
open lever 84 in FIG. 2, the lift lever 4 is rotated in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 5 for disengaging the pawl 32
from the latch 31.
[0036] A spring 85 is supported on the pin 84a and is provided
between the housing 5 and the open lever 84. The open lever 84
compresses the spring 85 by rotating in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 2. The open lever 84 is returned to the initial
position (shown in FIG. 2) by the biasing force of the spring
85.
[0037] The key lever 82 is rotatably supported in the housing 5 via
a boss portion 82a formed on one end of the key lever 82. An end
surface of the boss portion 82a penetrates through the cover 53 and
is exposed to the outside of the housing 5. A cross-shaped
connection groove 82b is formed on the end surface of the boss
portion 82a of the key lever 82 and is connected via a connection
rod to a key cylinder 14 (shown in FIG. 1) provided along with the
assist grip 13 on the outside surface of the vehicle door 1. The
key cylinder 14 serves as a mechanical identification operation
member. The key lever 82 is rotated in the clockwise direction of
FIG. 2 by operating the key cylinder 14 with an ignition key of the
vehicle carried by an individual. The end of the key lever 82
opposite the boss portion 82a includes an engagement arm portion
82c.
[0038] The inside lever 83 is positioned outside of the housing 5
and is rotatably supported on the cover 53 via a pin 83a. The
inside lever 83 is also connected via a cable 15a to an inside
handle 15 provided along with the assist grip 12 on the interior of
the vehicle door 1. The inside handle 15 constitutes a mechanical
operation member. The inside lever 83 is rotated in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 3 by the operation of the inside
handle 15 by an individual. A flange wall 83b is also formed on the
inside lever 83.
[0039] The open link 81 is movably supported in the housing 5,
serving as a support member here, via a pin 81a and a longitudinal
bore or slot 81b. The open link 81 is generally elongated, with the
longitudinal direction of the open link 81 corresponding to the
upward-downward direction of the vehicle (i.e., the up-down
direction of FIG. 2). The longitudinal bore or slot 81b extends in
the longitudinal direction of the open link 81 and is formed in the
open link 81. The pin 81a is provided on the housing 5 and is
inserted into the longitudinal bore 81b. The open link 81 moves in
the longitudinal direction, with the pin 81a sliding along the
longitudinal bore 81b and the open link 81 rotating about the pin
81a. A second engagement portion 81c is formed on the bottom end of
the open link 81 and is positioned opposite to the second
engagement portion 41b of the lift lever 4. An engagement pin
portion 81d (shown in FIG. 6) is formed on the upper end of the
open link 81 and is positioned opposite to the engagement arm
portion 82c of the key lever 82. The bottom end of the open link 81
also includes an engagement pin portion 81e penetrating through the
cover 53 and extending outside the housing 5. The engagement pin
portion 81e is positioned opposite to the flange wall 83b of the
inside lever 83.
[0040] The cover portion 53 includes an arc-shaped longitudinal
guide slot (groove) portion 53a in which is positioned the
engagement pin portion 81e. The engagement pin portion 81e moves
along the arc-shaped longitudinal guide slot portion 53a so that
the engagement pin portion 81e moves along a path generally
centered at the pin or boss portion 83a of the inside lever 83.
That is, the center of curvature of the arc-shaped longitudinal
guide slot portion 53a generally coincides with the pin or boss
portion 83a of the inside lever 83.
[0041] The cover portion 53 also includes an arc-shaped
longitudinal guide slot (groove) portion 53b in which is positioned
a guide pin 81f. The guide pin 81f moves along the arc-shaped
longitudinal guide slot portion 53b so that the guide pin 81f moves
along a path generally centered at the boss portion 82a which is
the rotational center of the key lever 82. That is, the center of
curvature of the arc-shaped longitudinal guide slot portion 53b
generally coincides with the boss portion 82a. The engagement
portion 81e of the open link 81 is positioned in the longitudinal
guide slot portion 53a and extends outside the housing 5. The guide
pin 81f which is positioned in and guided by the longitudinal guide
slot portion 53b is formed on the upper end of the open link
81.
[0042] With the forgoing construction, the engaged pin portion 81d
is engageable with the engagement arm portion 82c of the key lever
82. In addition, the engagement pin portion 81e is engageable with
the flange wall 83b of the inside lever 83 while the engagement pin
portion 81e is positioned in the longitudinal guide slot portion
53a. Thus, the open link 81 is linked to the key lever 82 and the
inside lever 83 (i.e., the non-set condition of the lever mechanism
8). The engagement pin portion 81e of the open link 81 is engaged
with the flange wall 83b of the inside lever 83 by the
counterclockwise rotation of the inside lever 83. Otherwise, the
open link 81 is moved in the upward direction of FIG. 2, guided by
the longitudinal guide slot portion 53a, the pin 81a moving in the
longitudinal guide slot 81b and the longitudinal guide slot portion
53b, by engagement of the engagement arm portion 82c and the
engagement pin portion 81d as a result of rotation of the key lever
82 in the clockwise direction of FIG. 2. The engagement portion 81c
is engageable with the second engagement portion 41b of the lift
lever 4. Thus, the open link 81 is linked to the lift lever 4. The
lift lever 4 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 5
by the engagement of the engagement portion 81c and the second
engagement portion 41b due to the movement of the open link 81 in
the upward direction of FIG. 2 to disengage the pawl 32 from the
latch 31.
[0043] A spring 86 is provided between the housing 5 and the open
link 81. Upward movement of the open link 81 as seen with reference
to FIG. 2 compresses the spring 86. The open link 81 is returned to
the initial position shown in FIG. 2 by the biasing force of the
spring 86.
[0044] The cover 53 includes a longitudinal guide slot (groove)
portion 53d continuing from the bottom of the longitudinal guide
slot portion 53a and having a different shape or orientation from
that of the longitudinal guide slot portion 53a. The cover 53 also
includes a longitudinal guide slot (groove) portion 53c continuing
from the bottom end of the longitudinal guide slot portion 53b and
having a different shape or orientation from that of the
longitudinal guide slot portion 53b. Stated differently, the
longitudinal guide slot portion 53d is offset from or oriented
generally transverse to the longitudinal guide slot portion 53a
while the longitudinal guide slot portion 53c is offset from or
oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal guide slot
portion 53b.
[0045] The engagement pin portion 81e of the open link 81 is
positioned in the longitudinal guide slot portion 53d and the guide
pin 81f is positioned in the longitudinal guide slot portion 53c.
As shown in FIG. 3, the guide slot portions 53b, 53c are smoothly
connected to one another. The smooth transition between the guide
slot portions 53b, 53c allow the engagement pin portion 81e to
smoothly move from one of the guide slot portions to the other.
Thus, the open link 81 is adapted to rotate about a rotation axis
generally at the pin 81a by moving the engagement pin portion 81e
into the longitudinal guide slot portion 53d and moving the guide
pin 81f into the longitudinal guide slot portion 53c. That is, the
generally smoothly connected guide slot portions 53b, 53c cause the
guide pin 81f to move in a way resulting in rotation of the open
link 81 so that the engagement pin portion 81e is able to move past
the otherwise sharp corner between the guide slot portions 53a,
53d. Of course, the relatively sharp corner between the guide slot
portions 53a, 53d can be made smoother than that illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0046] With the foregoing construction, by rotating the open link
81 about the pin 81a in the clockwise direction of FIG. 2 with the
engagement pin portion 81e moving along the longitudinal bore 53d
and the guide pin 81f moving along the longitudinal groove 53c, the
engagement pin portion 81e is disengaged from the flange wall 83b
of the inside lever 81 (i.e., the set condition of the lever
mechanism 8). Stated differently, the engagement pin portion 81e is
moved to a position located outside the path of movement (movement
path locus) of the flange wall 83b of the inside lever 81. The
rotation of the open link 81 is performed by the actuation of the
electric motor 71 or another electric driving power source
different from the electric motor 71.
[0047] Although the described and illustrated embodiment operates
by rotating the open link 81 about the pin 81a, it is to be
understood that the pin 81a is not necessary to achieve such
rotation. That is, the rotation of the open link 81 can be achieved
by virtue of the configuration of the guide slot portions 53b, 53c,
and possibly also the guide slot portions 53a, 53d. The guide slot
portions 53a, 53d and the guide slot portions 53b, 53d form guide
grooves or guide slots that guide the movement of the engagement
pin portion 81e and the guide pin 81f.
[0048] The guide slot portions 53b, 53c in conjunction with the
guide pin 81f define a guiding mechanism for guiding movement of
the open link 81 in the direction for effecting unlatching of the
latch mechanism (unlatching movement of the open link 81) and in
the rotational direction to achieve the set condition of the lever
mechanism 8.
[0049] The operation of the vehicle door latch operation device is
as follows. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the open lever 84 and the open link
81 at their respective initial positions and the lever mechanism 8
at the non-set condition, in which the flange wall 83b of the
inside lever 83 and the engagement pin portion 81e of the open link
81 are engageably positioned opposite to each other. As shown in
FIG. 5, the latch mechanism 3 is at the latched condition in which
the vehicle door 1 is maintained at the closed condition relative
to the vehicle body 11.
[0050] Under the non-set condition, by actuating the electric motor
71 through operation of either one of the opening switches 12a, 13a
when the vehicle door 1 is determined to be in the unlock condition
by the CPU of the controller 9, the wheel gear 72 is rotated in the
clockwise direction of FIG. 6 to rotate the open lever 84 in the
clockwise direction of FIG. 6 by the engagement between the
engagement projection portion 72b and the engagement projection
84b. Thus, as shown FIG. 8, the engagement portion 84c is engaged
with the engagement portion 41a to rotate the lift lever 4 in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 8. Accordingly, the pawl 32 is
rotated in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 5 for disengaging
the latch 31 from the pawl 32. The latch mechanism 3 is thus under
the unlatched condition and the vehicle door 1 can be opened. When
the vehicle door 1 is determined to be in the locked condition by
the CPU of the controller 9, the electric motor 71 is not actuated
irrespective of whether the opening switches 12a, 13a are operated.
Thus, the latch mechanism 3 is not moved to the unlatched
condition.
[0051] When the inside lever 83 is rotated in the clockwise
direction of FIG. 7 by operating the inside handle 15, the
engagement pin portion 81e and the flange wall 83b are engaged to
move the open link 81 in the upward direction of FIG. 7 while
moving the engagement pin 81e in the longitudinal guide slot 53a
and moving the guide pin 81f in the longitudinal groove 53b. Thus,
as shown in FIG. 9, the engagement portion 81c is engaged with the
engagement portion 41b for rotating the link lever 4 in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 9. The pawl 32 is rotated in the
counterclockwise direction of FIG. 5 for disengaging the pawl 32
from the latch 31 so that the latch mechanism 3 is in the unlatched
condition, thus allowing the vehicle door 1 to be opened.
Accordingly, the latch mechanism 3 can be positioned in the
unlatched condition irrespective of the whether the vehicle door is
determined to be either in the lock condition or the unlock
condition by the CPU of the controller 9. Thus, even when the
electric motor 71 is not operated due to a failure of, for example,
the controller 9 or when the condition of the vehicle door 1 cannot
be determined to be the unlock condition from the lock condition,
the vehicle door 1 can be opened to prevent the possibility that
the occupants will be confined in the vehicle compartment. Security
for the occupants is thus ensured.
[0052] By rotating the key lever 82 in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 7 by the operation of the key cylinder 14, the
engagement arm portion 82c and the engagement pin portion 81d are
engaged so that the open link 81 is moved in the upward direction
in FIG. 7 while moving the engagement pin portion 81e in the
longitudinal guide slot 53a and moving the guide pin 8 if in the
longitudinal groove 53b. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the engagement
portion 81c is engaged with the engagement portion 41b for rotating
the lift lever 4 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 10. The
pawl 32 is thus rotated in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 5
to be disengaged from the latch 31. The latch mechanism 3 is thus
in the unlatched condition to set the vehicle door 1 in a condition
to be opened. Accordingly, the latch mechanism 3 can be positioned
in the unlatched condition irrespective of whether the vehicle door
1 is determined to be in either the lock condition or the unlock
condition by the CPU of the controller 9. Even when the electric
motor 71 is not operated due, for example, a failure of the
controller 9 and when the unlock condition of the vehicle door 1 is
not able to be set, the vehicle door 1 can be opened.
[0053] When the open link 81 is rotated in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 7 by the actuation of the driver power source
such as the electric motor 71 as shown in FIG. 11, the set
condition is determined in which the engagement pin 81e is
disengaged from the flange wall 83b by moving in the longitudinal
bore 53d and the guide pin 81f moves in the longitudinal groove
53c. Under the set condition, when the inside lever 83 is rotated
by operating the inside handle 15 as shown in FIG. 12, the open
link 81 is not moved upward because the flange wall 83b does not
engage the engagement pin portion 81e. Thus, in this case, the
latch mechanism 3 is not moved to the unlatched condition by the
operation of the inside handle 15. When the lever mechanism 8 is
under the set condition, the latch mechanism 3 is not moved to the
unlatched condition even if the inside handle 15 is operated.
[0054] When the key cylinder 14 is operated for rotating the key
lever 82 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 11 under the set
condition of the lever mechanism 8, the open link 81 is moved
upward of FIG. 11 by the engagement of the engagement arm portion
82c and the engagement pin portion 81d. Thus, the engagement
portion 81c and the engagement portion 41b are engaged for rotating
the link lever 4 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 11.
Accordingly, the pawl 32 is rotated in the counterclockwise
direction of FIG. 5 to disengage the pawl 32 from the latch 31,
with the latch mechanism 3 thus being moved to the unlatched
condition to set the vehicle door 1 to be opened. In this case, the
open link 81 as shown FIG. 13 is rotated in the clockwise direction
of FIG. 13 by the movement of the guide pin 81f into the
longitudinal guide slot 53b while being guided by the wall of the
longitudinal groove 53c. The open link 81 is thus returned to the
non-set condition shown in FIG. 7. The biasing force of the spring
86 assists the rotation of the open lever 81 returning to the
initial position for reducing the operation force. Thus, even when
the lever mechanism 8 is under the set condition, the latch
mechanism 3 is moved to the unlatched condition by operating the
key cylinder 14. irrespective of whether the vehicle door 1 is
under the lock condition or the unlock condition, and the lever
mechanism 8 is at the non-set condition. Accordingly, even when the
driving power source is not actuated due to an abnormality such as
a failure of the power source (e.g., the electric motor 71) for
operating the lever mechanism 8 to be at the set condition or the
non-set condition, the latch mechanism 3 is changed to the
unlatched condition while changing the lever mechanism 8 from the
set condition to the non-set condition through operation of the key
cylinder 14. Thus, the vehicle door 1 can be opened to avoid the
possibility of the occupants being unable to exit the vehicle
compartment and thus ensuring the security of the occupants.
Because the key cylinder 14 is operated by the key such as the
ignition key carried by an individual, it is difficult to be
operated by others who do not have the key and so the anti-theft
performance is improved or ensured.
[0055] According to the above-described embodiment of the vehicle
door latch operation device, the open link which is linked to the
mechanical identification member and is linked to the mechanical
operation member via the inside lever is movable to be engaged with
the lift lever and is rotatable to be engaged with and disengaged
from the inside lever. The open link is rotated by the operation of
the mechanical identification member via the guiding mechanism.
Thus, when the mechanical operation member and the latch mechanism
are linked, the vehicle door is securely opened by the operation of
the mechanical identification member. Accordingly, the security for
individuals or occupants can be ensured.
[0056] The open link is rotated while moving via the functioning of
the guiding mechanism when operating the mechanical identification
operation member. Thus, the inside lever and the open link are
returned from the linkage release condition to the linked condition
by the rotation of the open link while actuating the latch
mechanism by the movement of the open link. Accordingly, the
mechanical operation member and the latch mechanism can be linked
by the operation of the mechanical identification operation
member.
[0057] As described above, the vehicle door latch operation device
is provided with an open link which is linked to the mechanical
operation member and the mechanical identification operation
member, and is also provided with the open lever which is linked to
the electric actuation mechanism. The actuation of the latch
mechanism by the operation of the mechanical operation member and
the mechanical identification operation member is performed via the
connecting portion between the open link and the latch mechanism.
The actuation of the latch mechanism by the actuation of the
electric operation mechanism is performed via the connecting
portion between the open lever and the latch mechanism. Thus, the
number of connecting portions of the latch mechanism to the
respective levers can be reduced. Accordingly, the size of the
latch mechanism can be reduced and the installation of the door
latch operation device to the vehicle becomes easier.
[0058] According to the illustrated and described embodiment of the
vehicle door latch operation device, the lift lever on which is
provided the engagement portion for engagement with the open link
and the engagement portion for engagement with the open lever is
adapted to unitarily rotate with the pawl. Thus, the size of the
pawl can be reduced and the pawl is prevented from unexpectedly
rotating by receiving inertia. The safety of the vehicle is thus
improved. In addition, because the connecting portion of the lift
lever with the open lever is positioned between the rotation center
and the connecting portion of the lift lever with the open link,
the operation force required for the operation of the mechanical
operation member and the mechanical identification operation member
is reduced.
[0059] In addition, the inside lever for engaging with and
disengaging from the open link is provided between the mechanical
operation member and the open link, and the linkage between the
open link and the mechanical operation member is released by the
inside lever for preventing actuation of the latch mechanism by
undesired operation of the inside lever. The anti-theft performance
is thus improved.
[0060] Further, the latch mechanism is supported by the housing,
and the open link and the open lever are accommodated in the
housing along with the electric actuation mechanism. The anti-theft
performance is thus improved while reducing the size of the device
as a whole without using other parts such as a protector.
[0061] The principles, preferred embodiment and modes of operation
of the present invention have been described in the foregoing
specification. However, the invention which is intended to be
protected in not to be construed as limited to the particular
embodiment disclosed. Further, the embodiment described herein is
to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations
and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed,
without departing form the spirit of the present invention.
Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations,
changes and equivalents which fall within the apart and scope of
the present invention as defined in he claims, be embraced
thereby.
* * * * *